“I think it’s something that should definitely be on the radar for foodies who are interested in food, wine, beer, anything culinary,” he told MLive.

Draft Magazine also listed the city as an “emerging beer town” for 2012.

Traverse City boasts more than half a dozen microbreweries and/or brewpubs as well as a couple tap rooms that feature Michigan-made beers. Short’s Brewing Co., located about about 40 miles away in Bellaire, is a popular spot that’s often listed alongside Traverse City-area breweries.

“It’s nice to be known for something other than cherries, even though that’s a good thing,” said Mike Lloyd, general manager and partner in North Peak Brewing Co.

AP Photo/Traverse City Record-Eagle, Keith KingIn a photo from Jan. 26, 2012, Kaleb Longworth, assistant brewer/distiller, uses a saccharometer to check the percentage of sugar in wort at the Northern United Brewing Company on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. The wort is pumped into a boil kettle which is where the hops are added.

North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also includes Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Microbrewery & Distillery in Traverse City.